Is Orlando Safe?

With its emblematic theme parks and year-round beautiful weather, Orlando is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world that you can visit. Forever fun and presenting countless interesting activities to choose from, the city has made a prime choice for family vacations for generations now. Still, those making a trip to the City Beautiful might stop to ask themselves before visiting, ‘’well, is it safe?’’ If you’re planning to make your way over to Orlando and have any concerns about your trip, don’t worry! We’ll help you figure that all out with our guide to staying safe in the area. Keep scrolling to learn more about how you can stay mindful when exploring Orlando.

How Safe is Orlando?

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If you’re travelling to Orlando for the first time, you might be worried about crime in the area. Since Orlando is a tourist-heavy location, petty crime is an unfortunately common occurrence, coming in a wide variety of forms. From bag-snatching and phone grabbing to pickpocketing and credit card fraud, it can sometimes seem like there’s a lot to be aware of here. When you’re walking around the theme parks, be sure to keep your wallet hidden and possessions secure at all times. To avoid standing out from the crowd, we suggest that you dress conspicuously and keep valuable items out of full view. While all of this sounds like it can be a little unsettling, we know that if you’re smart about it, you should be just fine.

Is Transport in the City Safe?

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In coming to a new city, it's important that visitors are able to get around safely. As a big city and thriving tourist destination, Orlando presents countless options for local transportation, each with their own perks. If you’re looking for total convenience and freedom of travel, renting a car from a local vendor is always a good option. Not only is this choice one of the most secure ways to explore the area, but it will save you money. As another easy and time-efficient course of action, taxis are available at most major attractions and hotels. For those who want to use cabs as a primary mode of transportation, we suggest that you stay vigilant of your surroundings and keep a close eye on your belongings. And for a more cost-effective way to see Orlando, the city’s comprehensive bus system is a good choice. When taking any public transport, we recommend that you work out your route ahead of time, and to avoid these types of services at night if you can. Though making your way around a new city can seem a little daunting, with the right planning, it will seem like no biggie.

How to Stay Safe in Orlando

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When travelling to a new area, you have a right to know whether it's safe to explore. Of course, there is no one straight-up answer to this – like most big cities, Orlando presents some areas that pose less of a threat than others. For those who are particularly worried about personal safety, areas like I-Drive, Kissimmee and Winter Park should make you feel more comfortable. Bursting with iconic attractions and events, these places are always a great option. Whilst staying in areas which you are more familiar with may seem like a good idea, there’s a lot more of the city to see. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, then downtown is filled with fantastic cultural attractions that are not to be missed. If you do decide to explore one of Orlando's bolder neighborhoods, it's important to always pay attention to your surroundings. As long as you keep your wits about yourself and stay sharp, you should experience no problems here.

Are the Theme Parks Safe?

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Another common concern of visitors to Orlando is the theme parks, and how safe they may be. If you’re planning your stay around some of the city’s most popular entertainment attractions, it might be comforting to hear that park regulation is left up to the state. With so many fantastic sites packed into one area, Florida has pretty strict safety measures regarding its amusement parks – so there’s no need to worry here. Still, it’s important to stay smart when exploring these iconic attractions. Walking around the site, we recommend staying in groups of two or more, and always carrying a theme park map with you. When visiting one of these attractions, you should also keep a mobile phone with you, so that you can stay connected with the rest of your group. Whilst these places can seem a little intimidating due to their impressive size, if you approach them with the right attitude, you’ll make memories for years to come!

Is Orlando Safe at Night?

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Though Orlando is generally recognized as a family destination, its nightlife is a real treat for those who are willing to explore. With areas like I-Drive, downtown, and Ivanhoe Village all offering a great way to let loose a little on vacation, you’ll be spoiled for choice. And whilst Orlando’s bar scene stands up to any major US city, it can also present some real dangers. Whilst spiking and attacks are irregular incidences, we all recognize that they can and do happen – so it's essential to know what you can do to protect yourself. For starters, when heading out for a night on the town, we recommend going with a group (you should stay with your group throughout the night to ensure total safety). At the bar, it’s important to always keep an eye on your beverage and remember to drink plenty of water as well. When making your way back to your accommodation, make sure to choose a safe method of transportation – we suggest taking a taxi over public transport. Whilst all of this might seem like a lot to handle, you can never put a price on safety!

Without a doubt, Orlando is a fantastic destination for exploration and adventure – however, it’s always important for visitors to stay alert and make smart decisions when discovering this unique entertainment capital. Whilst the bustling streets and theme parks might seem a little chaotic to some travellers, with a little common sense, you should be able to handle them like a pro. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.

Sarah Harris
Go City Travel Expert

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5 Days in Orlando

With so much to see, do and experience in sunny Orlando, it should come as no surprise that the city is one of America’s top tourist destinations. The best things to do in the area run the gamut – from out-of-this-world fun to greatly educational. Those seeking a little adventure are sure to find it here – with famous theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios right at your fingertips, you’ll never be bored. Or, how about soaking up the sun at Orlando’s unique nature reserves? If you still have time to venture downtown, make sure to check out the fantastic cultural institutions in the area and grab a bite at some of the city’s best restaurants. Whatever your pleasure, you’re sure to find something for you. Still, don’t worry if it's all a little bit overwhelming – that's what we’re here for! If you’re planning to make the visit, check out our list of the best things to do in the area. Let’s get started! Day 1 - See The Sites Travelling can be exhausting for many, which is why we’re starting off with something a little more low-key. If you’re looking for a relaxed day trip to kick off your vacation in the City Beautiful, look no further than the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. As fascinating as it is engaging, this museum works to present a comprehensive view of space travel and aviation for a broad audience. The center is divided into ‘’Mission Zones’’, each focusing on different areas of space travel – from the Race to the Moon to the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, this place has all the bases covered. Still, if you’re coming to step into the shoes of a real astronaut, you won’t be disappointed. Perhaps the institute’s biggest draw, the institute’s Shuttle Launch Experience recreates a rocket’s takeoff into orbit. Offering a fantastic educational experience for those of all ages, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend our first afternoon in the city. Come evening time, we recommend checking out Universal CityWalk where the fun never stops coming. Drawing in the crowds all throughout the year, this popular tourist attraction is known for providing world-class entertainment, shopping and dining options of all kinds. Before grabbing a bite to eat, we recommend checking out some of the fun activities available; challenge your friends and family with a game of minigolf, catch a movie at the Cinemark theater, or even partake in a spot of karaoke – the choice is yours! This walkable entertainment district also boasts a wide variety of restaurants and dinner shows to choose from to keep everybody happy. Whether you’re looking for elevated American fare or easy quick service options, you’re sure to find it here. Great for those travelling with family, there’s a little something for everybody here. Day 2 - Hit the Theme Parks Of course, you can’t visit Orlando without checking out Magic Kingdom. Quite possibly the most famous theme park in the world, this legendary stop is not only a major part of the city’s identity, but plays into American identity as a whole. Bringing iconic Disney productions to life for generations, this place is often billed as ‘’the happiest place on earth’’ - and with good reason. To prepare for visiting, we recommend wearing your comfiest walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothes – and bringing lots of sunscreen! With over 40 rides, attractions and shopping destinations to choose from, there’s a whole lot to see here in just one day. Don’t worry about fitting it all in – just make sure you get to see your favorites! Remember to take some snaps to capture those great memories whilst you’re there. We recommend staying at the park until the evening time, since Disney runs a spectacular firework show over its famous Cinderella Castle – trust us when we say that you won’t want to miss it! Day 3 - Take a Break After a tiring day at the theme park, you might just be looking for something a little bit more relaxing. Well, look no further than the Disney Wilderness Preserve. Tucked away just south of the city, this hidden gem is the perfect place to take in the natural wonders of the area and enjoy a peaceful hike. With over 12, 000 acres of flatwoods and swamplands to be explored, you could easily spend an entire day here. Located on Everglades National Park, the site exhibits an entirely unique ecosystem currently found nowhere else on earth. Walking through the site, you’ll be able to enjoy over 1, 000 species of plants and animals, including 70 species of butterfly, 80 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 151 species of bird. Exceptionally serene and fascinating to explore, the place offers the perfect respite from the city. Day 4 - Try the Classics Now, you can’t go to Orlando and only visit one theme park. That’d be nuts, right? But how do you choose which one to make your way to next? Well, we kind of let the people do the work for us here. Standing as the most popular amusement park outside of the Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios is a long-time favorite choice for visitors and locals alike. Perfect for all film and pop culture lovers, the park is famed for its fun entertainment industry theme. Universal is made up of eight different areas, each with their own unique theme. There’s a lot of ground to cover here – but we’re sure you can handle it! Exploring the park, you’ll find over 40 rides, attractions and live shows to choose from. No matter what your favorite flick may be, you’re sure to find something that’s right up your alley. Living up to its name, this place truly offers an entertainment experience that everybody can enjoy. Day 5 - Wind Down Enjoy the last day of your vacation by exploring the downtown area of the city. The historic center of Orlando presents an entirely different energy that’s definitely worth getting into. Forever lively and thriving with cultural activity, this place presents a great mixture of popular tourist attractions and hidden treasures at your disposal. If it’s museums that you’re after, then you won’t have to look too far – the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum and Wells' Built Museum will be right within walking distance. Or, if you’re a lover of the performed arts, the Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts provides world-class entertainment across a wide array of genres. Aside from what the area has to offer in the realm of culture, the neighborhood is brimming with great shopping opportunities, restaurants and bars to be discovered. Offering something a little different from the typical Orlando tourist experience, we love this spot for its ’'live like the locals’' vibe. Maybe five days doesn’t seem like a lot – but with the right amount of planning, you should be able to fit in everything, your way. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
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Orlando in January

Thinking about making a trip to Orlando this January? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with the very best that the city has to offer. There are countless ways to enjoy wintertime in The City Beautiful. If the weather is warm enough, you’ll be able to able to visit all your favorite theme parks no bother. For those cooler days, the city’s cultural institutions are a total must-visit. And, for when you feel like you need to take a break, the area presents a lot of great laidback activities to try. Trust us when we say, you’ll never be bored exploring Orlando. So, without further ado, here are our favorite things to see and do in the area. We hope you like them and manage to try some of them out! Find Fun Activities Ever wanted to take a selfie with Brad Pitt? Or maybe strike a pose with Will Smith? Well, as it turns out, now you can! For pop-culture fanatics and lovers of the big screen, Madame Tussauds presents an exciting entertainment experience to remember for all. What began as a small project by famous wax worker Marie Tussaud in the 1800s is now a worldwide sensation right up to this very day, with locations in almost every major Western city – including Orlando. View over 50 life-like figures of some of the most famous faces in the world, ranging from actors and singers to political figures and superheroes. Oh, and don’t forget to bring a phone so you can snap some pictures for Instagram! If you’re looking for something a little different, look no further than the Museum of Illusions. Standing out amongst the other exciting experiences in the city, this place aims to boggle the mind - in the best possible way. Combining architecture, design, psychology and space, the institute presents its unique collection of mind-twisting, eye-tricking installations for a broad audience. With over 50 incredible exhibitions to be enjoyed, the fun never stops coming. Walking around the institution, you’ll find everything from kaleidoscopes and prisms to tilted and reverse rooms. Undeniably intriguing and fascinating, this place is a total crowd-pleaser, great for those of all ages. Aside from its interesting cultural institutions, Orlando presents many fantastic historical structures well worth checking out. Standing as a modest, one-story cottage among College Park’s residential streets, the Jack Kerouac House once served as a home to the famous Beat writer. Though he only lived here less than a year, Kerouac managed to write ‘’The Dharma Bums’’ in its entirety during this time. Today, this National Historic Landmark is now a residence for budding writers – but if you want to take a peek inside, just ask! Beautifully preserved and holding such high cultural relevance, we don’t recommend missing out on this one. Get Cultured Though Orlando is perhaps best known for its world-renowned theme parks, the city’s cultural institutions are more than worth checking out. Built in the first half of the twentieth century, the Wells' Built Museum of African American History once served as a hotel for black visitors to the area. Since then, the structure has been converted into an institution showcasing the storied history of African American culture in the city. Inside, you’ll find everything from artefacts and artwork to old documents and photos pertaining to Orlando’s black and civil rights history. Whether you’re a total history buff or just looking to learn a little more about the area, there’s no better place to be. Orlando presents a wealth of free museums covering a wide range of interesting topics – you just need to know where to look! An important educational tool, the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center works to paint a powerful and moving picture of the past. Through carefully curated exhibitions, educational programs, and personal stories, learn more about those who were affected during this period of time. Within the museum’s intriguing permanent holdings, you’ll find a diverse array of historic documents, photos and artworks which work to tell the story of one of history's most lamentable injustices. Impactful though sombre, we recommend this stop for anybody who takes a deep interest in European history. Learn Something New For those brisk January afternoons, why not head over inside at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex? The perfect experience for those with curious minds, this place works to break down the fascinating history of space travel and deliver it in a digestible way. Even those who aren’t scientifically-minded are sure to be blown away by what this institution has to offer; inside, you can touch a real moon rock, walk amongst NASA shuttles, and attend lectures held by veteran astronauts. Still, the star of the show here has got to be the shuttle launch simulator, which recreates a rocket's orbit into space for visitors. As fun as it is unique, this place should rank right at the top of the itinerary! Another one of our favorite things to do for the month of January is visit the Orlando Fire Museum. Built into a renovated 1926 firehouse, the institute seeks to demonstrate the fascinating history and cultural relevance of firefighting. The perfect stop for all history lovers, this place is an unmissable educational experience; amongst its unique holdings, you’ll find everything from painted leather buckets to early motorized apparatus. Still, the museum’s major showstopper has got to be its wonderful collection of vintage firetrucks, giving a sense of what firefighting was like in a different time. We love this place because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new. As you can see, there’s no shortage of things to do in Orlando in January. When the weather cools down, this opens up more opportunities for exploration and adventure. Trust us, getting bored in Orlando is mission impossible, no matter the time of year. Whether you're interested in exploring the city’s most popular attractions, hitting up its fantastic museums, or heading over to the historical landmarks, this vibrant Southern metropolis has a little something for everybody. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris

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